Spring Time Grilling

Summer is just around the corner. Many of us are already cleaning off the grill, filling up the tanks or purchasing the charcoal and wood chips in anticipation of grilling season. So what will you do this summer that is different? How about an American favorite with a twist? Grilled pizzas have become a weekly favorite in our house. The simplicity of the dough makes this a wonderful yet quick meal. Make dinner a fun family affair by having the kids build their own pizza, rolling out the dough, then topping it off with their favorite sauce and ingredients. Spice up your dinner party with pizzas topped with unique ingredients and wine on the patio. The options are endless.

Grilled Pizza Dough

Makes 6 Ten Inch Thin Crust Pizzas

1 Package Quick Yeast

1 Cup Warm Water (warm, not hot tap water)

1 Teaspoon Sugar

2 Cups Flour + Small Amount for Dusting of Cutting Board (we use Organic, but All Purpose works well too)

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Tablespoon Basil (Dried or Fresh)

Pinch of Salt

Black Pepper to Taste

8 oz Shredded Mozzarella/Cheese of Your Choice 

2 Cups Tomato Sauce/Pesto/Sauce of Your Choice

Additional Optional Toppings (Fresh Basil, Heirloom Tomatoes, Nicoise Olives, Prosciutto, Grilled Chicken, Etc)

For the Dough: 

Place the yeast, warm water and sugar in a mixing bowl. Let sit for 5-7 minutes (should slightly foam at the top). Add in the flour, olive oil, salt, pepper and basil. Knead until combined. For best results, I mix all ingredients in an electric mixer with a dough hook until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Add additional flour if needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm area for 15-20 minutes. Dough should double in size. 

Lightly dust, with flour, a large surface to roll out dough. Divide the dough into 6 portions.  Roll each ball of dough to approximately 1/4 inch thick.  Brush both sides with olive oil, or spray with cooking spray. 

Preheat grill and set on medium to high heat. Place rolled out dough directly onto grill. Lightly grill 1-2 minutes per side. Remove cooked pizza dough from grill and cool. Turn grill to low, and top each grilled pizza dough with sauce, cheese and additional desired toppings. Place pizzas back onto the grill, and close the lid. This will replicate an oven, as the heat will be dispersed throughout the grill to melt and caramelize the cheese. Let pizzas rest for 3-5 minutes, slice and serve!

Bon Apetit!